Table 1 The structures of the VSTEP.2 and VSTEP.3–5 Speaking tests
VSTEP.2 | VSTEP.3–5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Task | Timing | Task | Timing |
1. Greetings | 0.5 min (no preparation time) | 1. Social interaction | 3 min (no preparation time) |
Test takers responded to examiners’ greetings and 3 set-up questions (e.g. Good morning/afternoon, sit down please, What’s your name, How are you?) | Test takers were asked 3–6 questions on 2 familiar topics | ||
2. Social interaction | 1.5 min (no preparation time) | 2. Solution discussion | 4 min (1 min preparation) |
Test takers were asked about 3 questions and raised about 1–2 questions about daily activities | Test takers were given a situation in which they were to choose one most suitable solution to the given situation among the three provided. They also need to justify their choice | ||
3. Description | 4 min (1 min preparation) | 3. Topic development | 5 min (1 min preparation) |
Test takers were given a card and required to describe a specific person, thing, or experience that is familiar to their daily life After their description, they were asked 1–2 follow-up questions | Test takers were required to develop a given topic (e.g. the benefits of reading books) by using the suggested ideas and/or their own Following their talk, they were asked 1–3 follow-up questions | ||
4. Discussion | 4 min (1 min preparation) | n/a | n/a |
Test takers were given a controversial topic (e.g. whether children should use smart phones at an earlier age) and required to express their opinion on it After their talk, they were asked 1–2 follow-up questions | |||